All things Middle East related

[nonniey]

Originally Posted by SunnySide

I just dont see it as being in our interest.

save lives - bc our presence would prevent some future 9/11 event?

save treasure - cant think of any way staying would save us money.

Can you explain the lives and treasure thing?

Well future terrorist events you raised (Doesn't have to be at 9/11 level - just an increased level of international terrorism). Additionally, it wouldn't surprise me that we lose some of the 5K soldiers deploying to the airport (They are in a pretty risky position/situation) and the potential exists we might actually have to reoccupy (Don't expect this but if another 9/11 occurs related to the Taliban....).

Other states/groups becoming more aggressive due to showing a weak hand (This always happens, always) will cost treasure and potentially lives depending on the situation/action. Russia getting more aggressive in the Ukraine, China in the western Pacific, Iran in the Persian Gulf, would not be surprising.

[SunnySide]

Originally Posted by nonniey

Well future terrorist events you raised (Doesn't have to be at 9/11 level - just an increased level of international terrorism). Additionally, it wouldn't surprise me that we lose some of the 5K soldiers deploying to the airport (They are in a pretty risky position/situation) and the potential exists we might actually have to reoccupy (Don't expect this but if another 9/11 occurs related to the Taliban....).

Other states/groups becoming more aggressive due to showing a weak hand (This always happens, always) will cost treasure and potentially lives depending on the situation/action. Russia getting more aggressive in the Ukraine, China in the western Pacific, Iran in the Persian Gulf, would not be surprising.

'future terrorist event" ... I dont know, that seems like a future hypothetical that is impossible to answer. a future terrorist event will occur on US soil again but whether its bc we left afghanistan or not is impossible to prove.

"weak hand" ... again, these are philosophical ivory tower debates imo. When trump puled us out of Syria the same arguments were made so I guess its fair here. Although both parties presidents wanted to pull out.

"5k troops remaining to secure airport while we evacuate our friendlies" -- Im worried about that was well. Seems like taliban understands the long game and the benefit of patience. They waited 20 years knowing we would eventually leave.

They seem to be patient now as we pack up and go.

Theres a female CNN reporter on the streets and so far she was only asked to stand aside by the taliban. Next week im guessing shes tortured, raped and beheaded if shes not out of there.

I just dont see any US upside to staying.

this is very interesting seeing it play out live. i just hope we get as many people out asap. Then I have to turn my american eye blind to Kabul .. I cant handle the weight of thinking about what they will be going through. They have my heart, thoughts and prayers ... but I cant let world suffering and events get in my head otherwise I dont think I could get up out of bed.